More than 1,000 individuals have been apprehended in a concerted effort to address outstanding warrants in West Yorkshire.
Commencing in early December, a new initiative was launched with the specific objective of targeting individuals wanted for various criminal offences. All five districts within the county received additional resources and support, financed through Proceeds of Crime (POCA).
During this initiative, a total of 1,072 arrests were executed. Out of those detained, 222 individuals have been formally charged with offences, while an additional 25 individuals were handled through caution or community resolution. Several others underwent interviews and were subsequently released pending further investigation or on bail.
The proactive objective of these operations was to detain and secure convictions for as many of the sought-after individuals as possible, aiming to provide reassurance not only to victims of crime but also to communities throughout the county. The overarching goal was to convey that West Yorkshire is a secure region, and every effort will be made to discourage criminal activities.
Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs, said: “All of the teams across the five Districts have achieved some incredible results as part of this operation.
“In three weeks, we’ve made over a thousand arrests and this has already made a positive impact on the streets of West Yorkshire.
“We are hoping to conduct another phase of this operation in the New Year, as we are dedicated to tracking down those who break the law and try to avoid justice.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Cass, who led the operation, said: “The criminals we have been targeting include those who know they are wanted but are doing all they can to avoid justice and, in some cases, continuing to offend.
“I would also urge our communities if they have any information about criminals active in their area to pass on any information to our local NPT teams via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
